Fully Funded PhD in Soil Science – Leibniz University Hannover, Germany (2025)

Posted by: Smart || Categories: Scholarship

Application Deadline: 15 August 2025
📍 Location: Hannover, Germany | 🌍 Fieldwork: Ghana & India

Leibniz University Hannover is inviting applications from outstanding and motivated candidates worldwide for a fully funded PhD scholarship in Soil Science and Environmental Studies. The position is part of the DFG-funded Research Unit FOR5903 – Sustainable Rurbanity, which explores how rural–urban transitions affect soil health and contribute to microplastic pollution.

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About the Research Project – Sustainable Rurbanity (FOR5903)

The Sustainable Rurbanity Project investigates the blending of rural and urban spaces and its impact on ecosystems. This PhD project will focus on:

• The effects of rurban transitions on soil quality.

• The extent and implications of microplastic contamination in soils.

• Case studies across Accra (Ghana) and Bengaluru (India), with international collaboration.

You will join the Institute of Earth System Sciences and work closely with research partners, including the University of Kassel, contributing to innovative soil analysis and sustainability science.

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Key Responsibilities

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Conduct fieldwork and soil sample collection in Ghana and India.

• Perform soil-physical and chemical analyses, with emphasis on microplastics.

• Develop and apply spectral analysis methods for soil health assessment.

• Collaborate with research teams at Leibniz University and partner institutions.

• Support drone-based soil mapping (training provided if required).

• Present findings at national and international conferences.

• Publish peer-reviewed research articles.

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Scholarship Benefits

• 💰 Fully funded position covering tuition and living expenses

• ✈️ Travel support for international fieldwork

• 🏢 Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities

• 🌍 An inclusive, international research environment with 5,000+ staff

• 🧘 Health, wellness, and sports programs on campus

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family support services and flexible working arrangements

• 📚 Career development resources (language training, workshops, and mentoring)

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree in Soil Science, Geosciences, Environmental Sciences, or a related field.

• Demonstrate proficiency in English (spoken and written).

• Show strong motivation for PhD-level research.

• Be fit for extended tropical fieldwork (Ghana & India).

• Display teamwork, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in soil analysis techniques.

• Familiarity with spectral tools and/or drone operations.

• Good command of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

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Eligible Nationalities

🌍 Open to all international candidates. Applications from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

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Application Process

📑 Required Documents:

• Cover Letter (explaining your motivation and research interests)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

• Contact details of academic references

📩 Submission:
Send complete applications via email to:
Prof. Dr. Stephan Peth
📧 peth@ifbk.uni-hannover.de

Or via postal mail to:
Institut für Erdsystemwissenschaften
Abteilung Bodenkunde
Attn: Prof. Dr. Stephan Peth
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
Herrenhäuser Str. 2, 30419 Hannover, Germany

🔗 More details: Official Job Posting

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FAQs

1. Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and research-related costs.

2. Can international students apply?
Yes, applicants from all countries are welcome.

3. What is the application deadline?
15 August 2025.

4. Is English proficiency required?
Yes, strong written and spoken English is essential.

5. Will fieldwork be required?
Yes, in Ghana and India.

6. Do I need drone experience?
Not mandatory, but it’s an advantage. Training will be provided if needed.

7. Will I collaborate with other institutions?
Yes, including with soil contamination researchers at the University of Kassel.

8. How should I apply?
By email or postal mail to Prof. Dr. Stephan Peth with all required documents.

9. Does the university support equal opportunities?
Yes, Leibniz University Hannover encourages applications from underrepresented groups and individuals with disabilities.

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⚡ Join a leading research community at Leibniz University Hannover and contribute to cutting-edge soil science for a sustainable future. Apply by 15 August 2025!

APPLY HERE

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